Little Ruthven passed away today in his surrogate mama's arms. He was just a few days short of nine months old. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him, so my SO and I raised him. He was very affectionate and curious about everything. He was absolutely fearless, and would just walk into the house like he owned the place if given half a chance.

We noticed he wasn't feeling well a couple days ago when he didn't come running when I went outside. We found him under a tree by himself. He seemed to be eating and drinking normally. The next day he wasn't doing any better so we moved him to the deck and set up an umbrella for shade. This morning he was clearly in pain, so my SO started holding him like when he was a baby. He passed away in his mama's arms before we could call the vet.

We buried him in the barnyard, not far from his mother. He will be missed.